K N I T
by LMA128

Comment:
Interesting angle of presentation - the viewer is looking down upon the sight. The first thing I notice is the knit cap and then my eyes travel down to look upon the face wearing it. The angle makes me notice the hat first which places that as a main object with the girl wearing it as a supporting role. The focus is soft - giving this image a dreamy feel. Her eyes are closed so that also helps project imagery of dreaming; daydream. The introduction of grain along with the B&W projects a mood and feel of an moment captured decades ago; nostalgic of remembering days past. The B&W also makes the textures of the knit cap more of a strong focus; whereas shape and weave would be less noticable if color was introduced.

Navajo Spirit Rising
by Ja-9

Comment:
Way to go Janine! Congrats on the 4th place finish - fabulous work that captured the beauty and spirit of the place!

Islamorada, L'isola viola
by Cory

Comment:
Just saw this in the posted Outtakes what it looked like before - Wha!!!???? I can't figure out why this placed so far down? Fabulous job in PP as I said before this is a fabulous travel shot that looks like it could appear in a travel brochure - I certainly enjoyed the beauty of the place shown in the shot ( I am one of your 8's). Hmmmm, maybe the reason it placed low is because of monitor calibration - others might have seen it as too dark? (I hate varying calibrations because you never know *exactly* how others are going to see it)

Exodus to the stars
by Yo_Spiff

Comment:
Wow, I love the colors and shapes of these light fixtures. This is an interesting study in colors, shapes and lines. I like how you present this in an interesting angle, but I don't think you got the angle presentation nearly enough to make these fixtures visually pop off of their space. Yes, I know angle can be tough and what I am about to suggest *may* have been impossible. However, the lines of the tall building in the backdrop -compete- and distract from the lines and shapes of those cool light fixtures. If possible - get a straight up shot at that larger fixture on the top portion of this photo so that there is nothing but sky behind it. To me, that larger fixture on the upper portion first struck me as something seen on planetary star charts or planetary orbit trajectories. I know your title is making the allusion that all these fixtures are blasting off into space, but my eyes cannot help but be drawn to that one on the top portion. The full circular shapes and spectacular yellow/orange hues really capture my eye; would make a great abstract in a squared presentation btw. Nonetheless a slightly above average shot that shows a lot of imagination and an eye for looking at new angles to show off the beauty in what many would pass by everyday without blinking an eye.

Fragile Beauty
by Nadine_Vb

Comment:
You captured some nice and lovely details on this orchid. Your lighting is good; fully illuminating this flower to show off details an textures. This is a slightly above average photo but it has potential to move up the scale. First off the background does not allow the beauty of this flower to visually pop off the page. The flat, dull beige does not allow the floral colors to pop like a black or white background would by providing greater contrast. Lastly, there is too much negative space on the left hand side that right now with that beige backdrop does nothing to improve visual appeal of the image.

The Snowqueen
by silverscreen

Comment:
It is very hard to get a good dynamic balance with varying shades of white/high key. You did a splendid job here. The details are wonderful and complementary to this 'snowqueen' from the star shaped jewels in her crown to the curled swirls in the whipple outlining her masked face. I do have one small critique to suggest that would make this outstanding capture even better and that is I wish there were some nice catchlights in her dark eyes. The sparkle there would really liven up the eyes, not to mention complement the sparkle of gems in her crown.

~ Man of the Year ~
by LVicari

Comment:
Absolutely wonderful lighting that really makes the contrasts between highlights and shadows very dynamic. Look at all the great details in this portrait - and the gentleman pose is arresting too;-) Great catchlights in the eyes. His bold glance just captures and holds eye contact with you. Outstanding portrait work here.

Living on the Edge
by ekmai

Comment:
One cannot be go wrong with the beautiful scenes in Santorini:-) Love the composition that shows off this cliffside city by the sea at dusk. The soft purple and pink hues of the sky and the lights sparkling illuminates the city buildings like ornaments along the hillside are visually stunning. Love the panoramic presentation of the composition for it gives me a wide scale appreciative view of the beauty of this city.

Homeward Bound
by hesitant

Comment:
Beautiful detail and color in this lovely seascape shot. Love how there is a boat in the far waters to give a sense of scale to the sweeping beauty I see here. Details are great - love how the warm yellow/orange sun hangs not just in the sky but the reflection shows us where it meets at the junction between open ocean and the sandbank. To me, that is a meeting of sun and sky.

Amadorrable
by sfmorris

Comment:
Heh, if this is the name of the horse then yes, he/she is adorable (I'm adorable is how I am pronouncing the name):-) Straight on portrait shot shows off the features of the horse well - including the white stripe down the center of the head. I wish that there was some nice catchlights reflected in the eyes of the horse such that it brings out the eyes - as is now they are very dark tones that tend to blend into the backdrop all too easily. Catchlights or a twinkle in the eyes could make them visually pop not to mention add more interest to the portrait of this horse.